Understanding the stock market is crucial for those interested in the financial ecosystem, as it plays a pivotal role in the world economy.

The stock market is essentially a collection of exchanges and other venues where publicly-held companies' shares are bought, sold, and issued. The prices of stocks are influenced by various factors, including supply and demand dynamics, investor sentiment, economic conditions, monetary policy, geopolitics and regulatory changes. These elements can cause fluctuations in stock prices — reflecting the health and financial stability of the companies listed and broader economic trends.